Physics: the science of how the world works! As central as it is to our experience of the world, my students have yet to "feel it in their bones" the way they can in an advanced placement class.
My students attend a public high school in an urban district in North Carolina.
This fall they will have the opportunity to study calculus-based physics as we add AP Physics C to our curriculum. Many of the students in my science classes dream of going into medicine, while others aspire to careers in science and engineering. The environment in which students are introduced to physics is critical to their enjoyment of the subject, and our science department has worked hard to ensure that our students have a positive first-year physics experience that will springboard them to success in future study. My students have consistently thanked me for exposing them to physics, and many now feel the itch to continue into more advanced coursework.
My Project
In order to study calculus-based AP Physics, my students need lab equipment both to practice designing experiments and to take accurate measurements of the real-world phenomena we study. To develop an understanding of universal laws such as conservation of momentum, for instance, using air tracks provides an enormous benefit. The equipment being requested for this class can be used in a variety of contexts throughout the year and will enable my students not just to learn "physics concepts," but to understand how scientists think and make discoveries that can benefit mankind. Moreover, it will double as useful equipment for first-year physics students and will hopefully inspire them to continue in experimental science as well.
While once at the forefront of technological innovation, our nation is constantly in need of new talent in science and engineering fields, and offering high-level science coursework is the best way I can inspire my top students to pursue careers in science and technology.
Without the right opportunities, a student with boundless potential would never know it, which is why offering a full-fledged AP Physics C course is so crucial in my students' development into a new generation of leaders.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Baum and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.